After reading this back, Lovina understands why she is tired at the end of the day.

I’m having flashbacks. Big time. This started with a personal story told by actor-comedian Jim Carrey. He had a frightening experience that reminded me of a fear I’ve carried since the early ’60s.

Despite the heat and humidity making it hard to think about cooking, I stayed busy this week with laundry, helping at my daughter Elizabeth’s house for church preparations, enjoying time with the grandchildren, and cherishing sweet family moments, including holding baby Sharlene.

It was early Sunday. Our air conditioner kicked on. My happy button triggers every time that happens. It had been happening a lot.

The statewide ticket recently endorsed by the Cook County Democratic Party is overwhelmingly made up of white Chicagoans, with two Black Chicagoans and no Latinos or Asian Americans.

Little Sharlene has already won this grandma’s heart. She’s a precious bundle of joy and has plenty of attention from her six siblings. 

Categorizing people into neat and tidy boxes can make it difficult to remember we are each utterly unique, unrepeatable souls. And souls remain, and should remain, in the realm of mystery.

Before me was an invitation that beckoned: “Come. Discover.” I had stepped through this old wooden door before. This time I was on a mission and this was the perfect portal — taking me nowhere in particular or anywhere I wanted to be.

This year’s state budget once again provides only $4.5 million in operational funding for the state’s 97 Soil and Water Conservation Districts – comparable to levels from the 1990s.